Discover ways to promote your business
Without promotion, your business can be overlooked time and time again. In order to achieve success, you must be willing to spend time and money promoting yourself and your business. This is usually a constant process, something that is never too far from your mind. There are some helpful tools that can assist you in your business promotion endeavors.
Products
We are all familiar with the wide variety of products that are printed with a business logo and information. From the standard pens and pencils to temporary tattoos and hand sanitizers, promotional products are used at community events, given to new customers and handed out for referrals. Everyone loves a freebie! Having your business name written on products scattered throughout your community can be a valuable promotional tool.
Press Releases
Capitalize on anything newsworthy that has happened in your business or with your product offerings. For example, has your business recently expanded, received a new product, sponsored a charity event or won an award? A press release has to contain something that is engaging enough to capture a consumer's interest, but it can also be an opportunity for your business to shine in the spotlight.
Stationery
It may seem elementary, but every piece of paper (even envelopes) that you send out should be emblazoned with your business name, contact information, email address and website. You should also include your slogan and/or logo. The same is true for outgoing faxes, bill payments and receipts. Your email should also have a complete signature that automatically ends each outgoing message with all of your information.
Articles
Use your written words to promote your business. If you own a pet store, write an article about keeping your pets safe in the summer heat and offer it to local publications and newspapers. Be sure that you are given credit for the article and your business name appears near your name. Also, the Internet is a forum with countless avenues for displaying your expertise. If you write articles for display on websites, be sure to have a quality website to which you can refer potential customers (see next topic).
The Internet
Anyone 30 years old and younger in this country defers to the Internet as their primary source of information. When they want to buy, they conduct online research to determine the best product to fit their needs. They may purchase online, or they may simply research online and then purchase the actual product at a bricks-and-mortar store. Regardless, your business should have an active, dynamic, well-designed website that fully functions as a store. Share your expertise in online forums relating to your business and meet new customers through social networking.
Presentation
Regardless of the type of business that you own, you have expertise that can be shared with members of your community. If you own a flooring company, you should be hosting short seminars on the installation of various types of flooring. To earn sales, you can offer a discount to anyone attending the seminar that buys flooring the same day. Churches, schools and community centers also accept speakers on a regular basis for educational purposes.
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